Entraineur national, NextGen, programme paralympique

Swimming Canada•Ottawa, ON

7d•CA$75,000 - CA$85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Coach, NextGen, Paralympic Program will be responsible to lead the technical delivery, alignment and advancement of Swimming Canada’s NextGen programs within the high-performance pathway programs for the Paralympic Program. This role will report to and work in collaboration with the National Coach Lead, Paralympic Program and will drive the national development pathway. The ideal candidate will be available to start on September 1, 2026. Some flexibility with the start date may be accommodated. The impact and success of this role will be defined by the strength, depth, and progression of the NextGen athlete pool, alignment across the high-performance pathway, and the successful transition of athletes into senior national team programming. Success will be built on a robust performance accountability framework and an athlete-centered approach, while building technical excellence and empowerment within Canada’s elite para swimming community. Through mentorship, innovation, and continuous improvement, the National Coach, NextGen, Paralympic Program will elevate the skills of Canada’s swimmers and coaches, driving sustainable success on the global stage.

Requirements

Experience within high performance or national program environments, including national camps and competition settings, with exposure to international pathways and athlete progression to national teams; major Games experience is an asset.
Experience working with Paralympic program athletes in development or high-performance environments.
Experience working with one or more impairment groups within Para sport or Para swimming is preferred, with a willingness and ability to continue developing expertise across the full Para swimming pathway.
Knowledge and understanding of impairment categories within Para swimming, including physical, visual, and intellectual impairments, and how impairment impacts athletic function and performance, is preferred.
Knowledge of the Para swimming classification system and processes is considered an asset.
Experience collaborating with Integrated Support Team (IST) providers, including sport science, sport medicine, sport psychology, and performance analytics/data, is preferred.
Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to work on a variety of projects at a time and work comfortably in a deadline driven and fast-paced work environment.
Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to understand and work towards strategic objectives.
Strong interpersonal skills to deal with a wide variety of people and contributors.
Ability to calmly, professionally, and humbly communicate, mediate difficult circumstances, resolve conflict, and make well-informed and effective decisions in stressful and high-pressure situations and environments.
Ability to work independently, work as part of a team, as well as lead a team and drive initiatives forward.
Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external contributors and partners, with the ability to influence.
Demonstrated ability to maintain high performance and ethical standards in the pursuit of excellence.
Strong creative thinker and problem solver, with a values and results-oriented mindset.
Completion of post-secondary education would be a considered asset.
Strong verbal and writing skills in English is required, the ability to communicate verbally in French would be considered an asset.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint is required, with the ability to use various databases for registration, entries, etc.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
A valid driver’s license for the purpose of driving vehicles at camps, meets, and attending site-visits domestically and internationally would be considered a strong asset.
Ability to lift, carry, push and pull, a minimum of 30 lbs on an occasional basis, as required to support at camps and meets.
Currently legally eligible to work in Canada.
Certified Senior Coach or Chartered Professional Coach designation with the Coaching Association of Canada is required.
A current member in good standing with the Canadian Swimming Coaches Association (CSCA).
Ability to complete and maintain all organization requirements, including submission of Enhanced Police Information Check (EPIC), and be a participant of Sport Integrity Canada’s Canadian Safe Sport Program (CSSP), all other training and clearance requirement as required by Swimming Canada or other regulatory bodies as required.

Nice To Haves

Major Games experience is an asset.
Experience working with one or more impairment groups within Para sport or Para swimming is preferred, with a willingness and ability to continue developing expertise across the full Para swimming pathway.
Knowledge and understanding of impairment categories within Para swimming, including physical, visual, and intellectual impairments, and how impairment impacts athletic function and performance, is preferred.
Knowledge of the Para swimming classification system and processes is considered an asset.
Experience collaborating with Integrated Support Team (IST) providers, including sport science, sport medicine, sport psychology, and performance analytics/data, is preferred.
Completion of post-secondary education would be a considered asset.
The ability to communicate verbally in French would be considered an asset.
A valid driver’s license for the purpose of driving vehicles at camps, meets, and attending site-visits domestically and internationally would be considered a strong asset.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, design and execution of NextGen Para swimming programs, including camps, competitions, and international tours.
Serve as Head Coach for designated NextGen camps and events.
Ensure alignment of daily training environments and national programming through consistent technical standards and coaching practices.
Collaborate with High Performance leadership to implement key strategic initiatives that support international podium performance goals.
Support the National Classification Lead at designated events.
Develop and lead an innovative development program aligned with Swimming Canada’s Athlete’s Appropriate Development Matrix (ADM) to support sustainable international success.
Identify, monitor and track targeted athletes within the NextGen and pathway system.
Develop and implement athlete progression frameworks, including key performance benchmarks and skill development continuums.
Conduct regular training environment visits to support athletes, coaches and club programs.
Work with personal coaches of identified NextGen swimmers to oversee the preparation and updating of Yearly Training Plan (YTP), Individual Performance Plans (IPP), and Gap Analyses.
Lead the alignment of Para swimming pathway programming from development to national team levels integrating the Athlete Development Matrix (ADM) and principles of Appropriate Athlete Development model.
Ensure consistency with ADM principles and national high-performance frameworks.
Act as a connector between National Development and Senior National Team programs to ensure seamless athlete progression.
Support the development and refinement of Podium Pathways and performance models.
Provide mentorship, guidance and technical leadership to coaches across the high-performance pathway.
In collaboration with appropriate Swimming Canada technical staff, facilitate the delivery of education, technical and professional development programs, based on the individual needs of personal coaches and athletes.
Work with the National Coach, Programming and Coach Development, on the development of identified Coaches for programs and bespoke development, and provide input on identified areas that need development.
Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration and continuous learning within the Para swimming coaching community.
Establish and maintain successful partnerships with key internal and external groups, e.g. Canadian Paralympic Committee, Provincial Sections, etc.
Collaborate with provincial organizations and clubs to ensure alignment and consistency across the system.
Collaborate with integrated support teams as needed (e.g., sport science, medicine, performance services) to optimize athlete preparation and development.
Build strong relationships across the national sport system to enhance pathway effectiveness and athlete outcomes.